Irish teenager Rory McIlroy will make his professional debut in the company of 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie at The Belfry on Thursday.
The 18-year-old from Holywood formally announced today that he is leaving the amateur ranks after a glittering career which makes him one of the great hopes of Irish golf.
As well as winning the Irish and European titles McIlroy starred in The Open at Carnoustie in July, lying joint third after an opening 68, and only two weeks ago earned a Walker Cup cap in his native Northern Ireland.
‘We have followed Rory's progress over the last five successful and eventful years and are proud to have the chance to look after one of the most exciting players to turn professional in the last decade,’ said the youngster's new manager Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler.
It comes as no surprise to find McIlroy joining a stable that includes his fellow Irishmen Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley and Graeme McDowell as well as Ernie Els and David Howell.
‘I have known Chubby for a long time and been a friend of Darren Clarke's for some years now, so there really was no decision to be made,’ stated McIlroy, who has already negotiated the first stage of the European Tour qualifying school.
‘I think people have expectations of me and I have expectations of myself, so I hopefully I can play well and live up to the expectations. That's the way I'm looking at it.
‘I'm hitting it well and I think this course suits me.
‘It's nice to be mentioned in the same breath as Sergio and Tiger and if I can make a start like they did I will be very happy.
‘I'm just going to try my hardest and hopefully the results will follow.’
McIlroy's backers include a Dubai-based hotel and hospitality management company, investment and construction firms, the Lough Erne club in Fermanagh and golf company Titleist.
